I don’t know Leigh Griffiths personally. I’ve never spoken to the guy and his time playing at Livingston was many years before I started working at this paper.

I’ve admired him from afar as a talented striker and will never forget his double against England at Hampden last year.

I could never imagine the pressure of playing football in front of 60,000 people or representing your country.

But I have been where he appears to be right now and I know that you can come out the other side.

Last week, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said Griffiths will be taking time away from the game to receive help with some ‘ongoing issues’ and the football family rallied around the striker with messages of support.

Rodgers admitted that currently ‘life is tough’ for the 28-year-old and that he’d ‘reached the point where it’s a struggle.’

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It’s pleasing to see that even at the highest level, football can take a back- seat when needed as that hasn’t always been the case.

Thankfully, society is now changing and seeing that depression and mental health illnesses are not a sign of weakness but simply that – an illness that needs treated.

My own history with mental health illness is long and complicated and at various times over the years has included excess drinking, spending and gambling and going to bed not at all bothered if I woke up the next day way too many times to count.

I even once lived in a flat for six weeks with no electricity because I fell behind with bills and didn’t think anything of it.

Celtic's fans show their support for striker Leigh Griffiths

It took a lot longer than it should have done for myself and friends and family to realise there was something wrong, but eventually I got the help I needed and have made a relatively full recovery — a few months ago I finished paying off debts accrued over a decade ago.

But there are still periods when things can be tough and that’s when having that support around you is crucial and I hope that Leigh will have the full backing of his colleagues, family and friends going forward.

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But this isn’t meant to be about myself, more just a cautionary tale of how mental health issues can have an impact on anyone at any time, whether you’re a poor student or a millionaire athlete, and we all need to see the signs and offer support.

Reach out to that colleague who never goes on nights out or the one who comes in with a hangover three times a week. Drop a wee text to the fella who always drops out of five-a-sides at the last minute.

It might just make all the difference.

Just as much as anyone else, I hope to see Leigh back on the pitch scoring goals for club and country.

But, far more important than that, I hope he is able to be happy and healthy.